What Truly Is Shielded Behind Concealed Corners of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s bar mastersons Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .